We left home early, to arrive early on the ski hills. We wanted to enjoy what could be the last day of the season…
The weather was nice. The snow was good.
When skiing, my son is happy.
When outside, i am happy.
We get to enjoy the ultimate unexpected luxury this winter… to eat lunch not in our car but sitting at a table, inside, at a friend’s condo on the hills while they are out skiing. The pandemic has a weird way of resetting our expectations.
As usual, we ski until the gates close. We are tired. Before we drive home, i make a little detour to leave a thank you home made gift to our generous friends.
Once home and unpacked, I prepare a delicious yet simple meal: spicy shrimp pho soup with fresh basil, cilantro, mushrooms, onions and peppers.
As we are finishing our dinner and I enjoy the last sip of a well deserved cold beer at the end of a long ski day, i watch Liam spontaneously get up, undo the table by himself and start to wash the dishes.
I stand up, look in his eye… i no longer see a boy but part of a man, who soon will outgrow me, and I ask him: « Liam, do you know why i made a detour to leave a small gift to Martin and Sophie? ».
Without hesitation, he answers: « Because you are grateful to have such good friends and you want them to know ».
– And where does that answer come from?
– Easy, I know you dad.
… (moment of silent epiphany)
– Liam, you know… I could die today, happy and without regrets… because I have done my job as your father, I have taught you the essentials of life.
Thank you.
Martin Pham Dinh 